Surfer mates happy to now concentrate on catching waves

Three Tasmanians, two who tried to save the life of a fisherman and another who attempted to pull a driver from a burning vehicle have been recognised in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards. READ THEIR STORIES >>

• Penguin man recognised after pulling driver from burning wreck

YOUNG Tasmanian surfers Zeb Critchlow and Tyler Hollmer-Cross say they are “super-honoured” to have received an Australian bravery award for their actions in the water off Marion Bay in June, 2018.

“It is very special to be recognised in this way,” Mr Critchlow said after hearing of the pair’s award.

“We still think about what happened that day. Now the coronial findings have been published we would like to move on.

“People are hurting. This is still one of my favourite places to surf but the events of that day still haunt me.”

The two mates managed to rescue a pair of fishermen after their boat capsized at Marion Bay last year but could not save a third man, Graeme Bowerman.

Penguin’s Terry Townsend has also been awarded for his role in trying to save a driver in the aftermath of a fiery crash in NSW in the same year.

It was Tasmanian Coroner Olivia McTaggart who first recommended Zeb and Tyler be considered for bravery awards.

Tyler Holmer-Cross and Zeb Critchlow. 2019 Tasmanian winners of the Pride of Australia awards. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The conditions were exceptionally dangerous to the two men attempting the rescue,” she said in her findings into the death of Mr Bowerman,” she said in her findings.

“The water had limited visibility and both suffered continued buffeting from sets of large breaking waves.

“At one point Mr Critchlow found himself wrapped by a tarpaulin under the boat and had great difficulty untangling himself.’

The pair then received a Newscorp Pride of Australia medal before this impressive recognition from Canberra.

Mr Critchlow and his mate Mr Hollmer-Cross were out surfing at Marion Bay early in the morning on June 3, 2018.

The weather and swell were perfect for surfing but not so good for watercraft in the break in an area known as the “narrows”.

“I had just paddled out and hadn’t even caught a wave yet when I heard yelling from a boat that I could see was upside down,” Mr Hollmer-Cross said.

Two surfer mates who rescued two fishermen after their boat capsized at Marion Bay last year still regret the fact they could not save Anthony Bowerman. Zeb Critchlow and Tyler Hollmer-Cross who the coroner has said should be awarded for their bravery. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Bowerman and his fishing friends Scott Marriott and Marcus Mayne had been thrown into the water after a big breaking wave capsized their vessel.

“Zeb had just arrived on his jetski and bolted over there and picked up two guys,” he said.

The two fishermen were conscious and Mr Critchlow conveyed them to another nearby boat which then took them back to the Boomer Bay boat ramp.

He and Mr Hollmer-Cross then frantically searched for Mr Bowerman — including diving under the overturned vessel to see if he was trapped underneath — but to no avail.

“Diving under that boat in those conditions was the scariest thing I have ever done,” Mr Hollmer-Cross said.

“But I was full of adrenaline and you just have to do what you have to do in those situations.

“It was really unfortunate that we couldn’t save everyone that day but I suppose if we weren’t there all three men would have died.”

Mr Bowerman was later spotted in the water by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter but had drowned.

Tyler Hollmer-Cross of Dodges Ferry and mate Zeb Critchlow of Acton Park are receiving Australian bravery awards. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The three Tasmanians are among 29 Australians to be honoured in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards.

“On behalf of all Australians, I would like to congratulate and thank the individuals

being recognised today. Their deeds and selflessness are inspirational,” Governor-General David Hurley said.

“The people receiving awards didn’t wake up in the morning and decide that they would be brave – each was faced with an unexpected situation and made a conscious choice, in the moment, to turn towards the danger and help others.”

“To highlight one example, Miss Ruth Dhurrkay displayed conspicuous courage by

stopping a violent attack.

“She acted without thought for her own safety and saved a 12 year old who was being assaulted by a youth with a machete.

“She was just 13 at the time and is receiving the Star of Courage – of which less than 200 have been awarded.”

In total this year, one Star of Courage medal has been awarded along with 15 bravery medals, six commendations for brave conduct and three group bravery citations involving eight individuals.